Boy, it’s sizzling hot outside.
We’re sure by now you’ve seen the pictures of cookie dough baking in someone’s car circulating social sites. If you haven’t, trust and believe the squishy dough is cooking.
It’s also a reminder of how dangerous the heat can be.
Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid-90s (and hotter) all weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind during these sweltering hot days….
• Drink lots of water.
• Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks when thirst hits. Water is best.
• Wear clothes light in color and loose-fitting.
• Never leave a child or pet in a hot car. Period.
• Cool down inside whenever possible. Take advantage of air conditioning and shaded areas.
• Outdoor activities are best done in the morning and evening hours.
• When engaging in outdoor activities, take frequent breaks.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15.
• Drink more water. You can never have enough on days like today.
• Remember to re-apply sunscreen.
• Frequently check on children and the elderly. They are the most at-risk in hot conditions.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion.
HEAT EXHAUSTION SIGNS
Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
Heavy sweating
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Exhaustion
HOW TO HELP HEAT EXHAUSTION
If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, you should:
• Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist.
• Changes in consciousness.
• Vomiting and high body temperature.
• Move them to a cooler place.
• Remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet clothes or towels to the skin.
• Fan the person.
• If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly.
• Watch for changes in condition.
• If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
HEAT STROKE SIGNS (LIFE-THREATENING)
• Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist.
• Changes in consciousness.
• Vomiting and high body temperature.
HOW TO HELP HEAT STROKE
If someone is exhibiting signs of heat stroke, you should:
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.
• Move the person to a cooler place.
• Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible.
• Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
For more information on what to do when temperatures rise, download the free Red Cross Emergency App. The app also gives users the option to receive alerts for excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories.
